The Importance of Your Thermostat

The thermostat is where it all begins with your home’s heating and cooling system. When you set it, the thermostat triggers, regulates and monitors the climate control process in your home and helps keep your family comfortable.

As the winter season arrives each year, our customers frequently ask us about thermostats and how to operate them in the most efficient manner. So, we put together a list of the most-asked questions and our answers. Before we get started, keep in mind that we decided to have a little fun with this blog!

• How do I make sure my mother-in-law leaves the thermostat alone?

One sure way is to encase your thermostat (or your mother-in-law) in a locked compartment, with the only key in your possession at all times. All kidding aside, the best way is to install a WiFi-controlled thermostat that allows you to monitor the setting around-the-clock and even when you are away. For a good chuckle, check out this funny WiFi thermostat review.

• My husband is a cheapskate (and hot-blooded, too) and turns our thermostat WAY down at night and off when we are gone. Is it really cheaper to do that?

Probably not. Either one of those actions not only makes your home’s climate control susceptible to outside factors, but may even be more expensive in the long run. Because it takes much more energy to get the temperature back to where it was as opposed to just keeping it at a constant, you may see a bump in energy bills. And who wants an unexpected arctic spell to freeze your fish tank (or pipes)? The better option is to invest in a programmable thermostat. You can also turn the thermostat down 7-10 degrees from where you normally set it.

• My dog will be at home while I’m at work this winter, what should I set the thermostat to?

If Rocky is on home security patrol while you’re at work, make sure he has a comfy sweater and then set your thermostat 7-10 degrees lower if you want. Actually, our pet’s body temperatures are normally a bit higher than humans, so they are prepared for energy-efficiency — unless they’re hairless, of course! To learn more about what temperature settings for our pets are best at different times of the year visit http://www.akc.org/press-center/akc-syndicate/ask-akc/temperature-setting-for-dogs/.

• Is it more efficient to use the programmed features or to set at a constant, specific temperature?

This is a no-brainer and we can not stress it enough… if you have a programmable thermostat, you should most definitely use it! A programmable thermostat allows you to conveniently maintain efficient climate control and will also result in lower utility bills. You will also save time by eliminating the constant need to manually adjust settings.

• How often should thermostat batteries be replaced?

This depends on what type of thermostat is in your home, but batteries should be checked or replaced every six months and definitely changed at least once per year. The safest approach is to follow the recommendation in your thermostat owner’s manual. Just don’t procrastinate and wait until the batteries die and you come home to a cold house… your teeth will be chattering while you scour your cabinets looking for fresh ones.

For more information on Honeywell and Trane thermostat and for complete HVAC service, call your friends at Masters today.